NASA is considering studying sex in space.
NASA is considering studying sex in space
The space agency made the announcement in response to a team of five Canadian academics who are calling for organisations to embrace 'space sexology'.
The team from Concordia University in Montreal said: "Understanding sex and how it will work in a low gravity environment, is essential to the success of deep space missions, and building off-world settlements."
NASA has been prudish about the issue of sex between astronauts in the past, stating that "no humans have ever had sex in space".
However, with space tourism and long-haul missions on the rise, the space agency may have to deal with the uncomfortable question.
A NASA spokesperson told Mic: "We are primarily concerned with ensuring crew members' health and safety in space for long periods of time.
"Our Human Research Program is working to mitigate the five hazards of human spaceflight and researching ways to help crews work together and remain emotionally prepared during their journey.
"Should a future need for more in-depth study on reproductive health in space be identified, NASA would take the appropriate steps."